Despite having among the worst rates of homelessness in the nation, Hawaii received the fifth-lowest level of funding per homeless person of any state or territory from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s McKinney-Vento homeless assistance program.

A report by the National Homeless Information Project found that Hawaii received just $1,365 per homeless individual, compared with the national average of $2,822.

Diamond Head slopes homeless Michael Oliver stands on some Kiawe roots near his tent. Denby story.
Michael Oliver stands by his tent where he lives on the slopes of Diamond Head. He is among thousands of people living in Honolulu who don’t have a house. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

The state of Connecticut received the most money per homeless individual at $8,464.

The McKinney-Vento program is the largest federal funding source for homelessness initiatives.

If funding were equalized among states and territories, Hawaii would receive an additional $11 million.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly said Hawaii received $1,365 per capita, Connecticut received $8,464 per capita, and Hawaii would receive $4.5 million if funding were equalized.

In fact, Hawaii received $10.4 million to serve 7,620 homeless individuals, or $1,365 per homeless person. Connecticut received $8,464 per homeless individual. The report said Hawaii would receive an additional $11,095,440 if funding were equalized.

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